Question 1

Sandy was born with a small nose, protruding lips and tongue, and chromosome 21 was present in triplicate. Sandy was most likely born with _____.

Accepted Answer

The physical characteristics described are common in individuals with Down syndrome, which is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Klinefelter syndrome involves an extra X chromosome, Fragile X syndrome involves a mutation in the FMR1 gene, and Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and is caused by the absence of an enzyme. These conditions do not typically involve the physical characteristics described for Sandy.

Question 2

The "master" gland is also known as the _____.

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master" gland because it produces and secretes many hormones that control other endocrine glands in the body. The islets of Langerhans are groups of cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, while the Organ of Corti is located in the ear and is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, but it is not typically referred to as the "master" gland.

Question 3

In the context of emotional responses, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in _____.

Accepted Answer

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxious feelings and promotes a sense of calmness. Thus, it plays an important role in anxiety. It may also be involved in depression, but research on this topic is not yet definitive. GABA is less likely to be directly involved in anger and sadness.

Question 4

A polygenic process:

Accepted Answer

A polygenic process refers to the presence of multiple genes that interact with each other to determine a particular trait or characteristic. This process can contribute to the presence of certain disorders or diseases, but it does not necessarily involve abnormal genes. Rather, it involves variations in multiple genes that together influence the likelihood of a particular outcome. Examples include height or skin color, which are influenced by the interaction of multiple genes.

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true about different drug therapies?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs are known to produce common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, daytime sedation, sexual dysfunction, and agitation. Phenothiazines are not atypical antipsychotics, but typical antipsychotics, which are known to have dangerous side effects such as tardive dyskinesia. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are older classes of antidepressants, not newer. And SSRIs are more frequently used than SNRIs for treating depression.

Question 6

Electroconvulsive therapy was originally designed to treat which mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was originally designed to treat schizophrenia. However, it has since been used to treat a variety of mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, and certain types of anxiety disorders.

Question 7

When ingested, which of the following substances slows the reuptake process of norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Both amphetamines and cocaine are known to inhibit the reuptake process of norepinephrine, leading to increased levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain.

Question 8

The pituitary gland is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is known as the "master gland" and is responsible for producing and secreting a variety of hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other important bodily functions. It also controls the secretion of other endocrine glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Question 9

A _____ is a chemical that carries messages throughout the body, potentially affecting a person's moods, levels of energy, and reactions to stress.

Accepted Answer

Hormones are the chemical messengers in the body and can affect a person's mood, level of energy, and reaction to stress.

Question 10

Mark has difficulty managing his stress. His physician suspects that he has a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It is likely that Mark may later be diagnosed with a(n):

Accepted Answer

A dysregulated HPA axis is commonly associated with depressive disorders, as it disrupts the regular release of stress hormones such as cortisol.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT true about the interactions between genes and the environment?

Accepted Answer

Personalities and interests are often reinforced by the environments we choose, and therefore this statement is not true.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT true about behavior genetics?

Accepted Answer

While twin studies are a significant part of behavior genetics research, the field also uses other methods such as adoption studies and genome-wide association studies to understand the genetic basis of behavior.

Question 13

Which of the following is correct regarding chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, results when an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two copies. Choice A is incorrect because humans normally have 46 chromosomes, not 48. Choice B is incorrect because the sex chromosomes (X and Y) are randomly determined by the sperm and egg during fertilization, so the mother does not always contribute a Y chromosome and the father does not always contribute an X chromosome. Choice D is incorrect because chromosomes are composed of DNA and carry genetic information.

Question 14

_____ is the study of heritable changes in the expression of genes without change in the gene sequence.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression without change in the DNA sequence. This can include modifications to DNA itself (such as methylation) or to the proteins (histones) around which DNA is wrapped. Molecular biology is a broader field that encompasses the study of genes, their function, and their regulation, among other topics. Genetic engineering involves making deliberate changes to the DNA sequence of an organism. Molecular cloning is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences.

Question 15

A major class of anxiety-reducing drugs, _____, appears to reduce the symptoms of anxiety without interfering substantially with an individual's ability to function in daily life. Their most frequent use is as sleeping pills.

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines are a major class of anxiety-reducing drugs that are commonly used as sleeping pills. They are effective in reducing anxiety symptoms without substantially interfering with daily functioning. Barbiturates are also used to reduce anxiety but are less commonly prescribed due to their high risk of dependence and overdose. Azapirones are a newer class of anxiety medication but are less commonly prescribed than benzodiazepines. Beta-blockers are not typically prescribed for anxiety but are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.

Question 16

Identical twins have _____ of their genes in common.

Accepted Answer

Identical twins are formed when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos. Because both embryos come from the same fertilized egg, they have the same DNA sequence and therefore 100 percent of their genes in common.

Question 17

Lithium is:

Accepted Answer

Lithium is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer. While it does have side effects, it is often considered effective in managing symptoms of the disorder.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is true of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

ECT can cause side effects such as confusion and memory loss. Option A is incorrect as the current ranges from 70 to 450 volts, not 150. Option B is incorrect as patients are usually given muscle relaxants to prevent convulsions, but they are not conscious during the procedure. Option C is incorrect as the convulsion typically lasts less than one minute.

Question 19

The research on epigenetic processes carried out by Michael Meany found that:

Accepted Answer

Michael Meany's research demonstrated that the behavior of mother rats, specifically their grooming and licking, influences the development of their offspring's stress responses in adulthood.

Question 20

When corticotrophin-release factor (CRF) travels from the hypothalamus to the pituitary, the pituitary releases the body's adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The bloodstream carries ACTH to the adrenal gland and various other organs. This example illustrates the complex relationship between:

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) controls the endocrine system through the hypothalamus, which releases hormones that stimulate or inhibit the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then releases hormones that target various organs and tissues, including the adrenal glands.

Quiz 2: Theories and Treatment of Abnormality